Chapter 21: I wasn't expecting that…
As I joined the Autobots and Lennox the following day for further training, I couldn't help but smile to myself. After our workout, even though I was exhausted, I didn't want to leave and neither did Chase. I stood there during briefing and couldn't help but let my mind wander to the events of last night.
We had stood outside the gym talking, all the small talk, pleasantries one does when you first get to know someone. Where are you from? Do they really have kangaroos in the main streets of Australia? What role do you have here? Is it really cool to hang out with giant sentient robots all day? The usual.
Before we bid each other a good evening, Chase managed to pluck up the courage to ask me out for dinner, ''Might be nice to have a conversation with you where we both aren't sweating profusely,'' he had said. At the raising of my eyebrow and slight chuckle, he shook his head, ''Damn OC, I am going to have to watch myself around you, aren't I?''
''Actually, I was thinking the same thing about you,'' I bit my lower lip and coyly looked away. As I turned to look back at Chase and accept his invitation, I felt my face gently clasped between his hands and before I could gain my senses, his lips were on mine in a soft, sweet kiss. I closed my eyes and savoured the feeling of closeness. /Too long/. It had been much too long since I had had this connection with another. I moved my hands to cup his face and deepened the kiss. The feeling of his soft, warm lips was….
''OC! OC!" Lennox's voice echoed throughout the hanger and I felt something connect with my chest. He had thrown something at me to get my attention!
''Hey! What?'' I looked around. Everyone, Autobots included, were looking at me, some holding back a snigger of laughter, others a disapproving shake of their head. I realised I had allowed my little recollection to interrupt my focus and I was now being brought to task in front of my peers. I blushed a little. ''Sorry everyone, lost focus for a moment''. True enough.
Lennox looked disapprovingly at me. ''Just remember it's one thing to lose focus during a briefing and have a pen thrown at you, another to lose focus in the field and have a grenade thrown at you.''
''Yes sir, sorry Sir! Point made Major Lennox,'' I held his gaze as I spoke and indicated that my daydreaming session was at an end. Lennox stared a moment longer and then went back to addressing his team and the Autobots.
Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Prime still looking at me. He had a concerned look on his face, though most people would not have noticed, I knew him better. /There will be questions later/. I resigned myself to the fact that I would be getting a well-intentioned grilling from the Autobot Commander at a later point today. I shook my head and derailed that train of thought, focusing 100% on Lennox and what he was talking about. While I am capable of making lots of mistakes, I generally try not to make the same mistake twice - especially in rapid succession.
After a few moments we were sent off to carry out our duties for the day. I was going to be practising using my powers today under the careful supervision of the Autobots, a simulation of working in the field with them and how my gift could enhance and support their effectiveness in the field to minimise casualties and collateral damage. I was wearing my army fatigues and a stern expression when I heard a voice call out to me, ''Hey, OC! Fancy meeting you here.'' My face lit up. /Chase!/.
He came jogging over to me, looking rather fine in his army fatigues himself. /Hell, he could be wearing a hessian sack and look amazing/. ''Chase! Where'd you come from? I thought you weren't working today?'' I only just managed to refrain from reaching out to give him a hug and a kiss, as did he, bringing our arms by our sides awkwardly at the last second.
''Ahh I wasn't meant to be. Got rostered on at the last minute,'' looking me over and whispering conspiratorially, he smiled, 'Kinda glad I did, got to see you.'' His grey-green eyes shone with mischief and his smile tugged at my heart.
''You are a smooth operator Chase,'' the others had transformed and headed off to the Autobot hanger all save Prime, who was now watching our interaction with reserved interest. ''Ah, I better get going, I have stuff to do.'' /Yeah, stuff that would likely make you run in the opposite direction and never look back!/ I squashed the thought down. I knew I would have to tell him about my ''gift'' eventually. Any relationship, if it's to last, has to be built on honesty. I just wasn't ready for that level of honesty just yet. ''See you later tonight?'' I asked hopefully.
''Already counting down the moments OC,'' he looked around quickly and swiftly took my hand in his and brought it to his lips for a quick kiss before smiling at me, ''See ya later,'' and raced off in the direction of Lennox and the rest of the team.
I stood there for a split second with a goofy grin on my face before the sound of transforming interrupted my instant replay. Prime was indicating it was time to go. I ran over to him and hauled myself into his cabin. We drove a few metres before I heard his rumbling voice, ''I assume OC, that that young gentlemen may have been the source of your previous inattention during briefing?''
I blushed but could not hide the truth from Prime. For one he had been standing not far off during that unexpected exchange, for another he's the Prime and you don't lie to a Prime and finally, and most importantly, he is my dear friend whom I have come to feel very close to. I was not going to betray his trust by lying. ''Ah, yeah. He was.'' /Why did I feel so – embarrassed - to be discussing this with Optimus?/.
Prime continued, ''I don't recall you ever speaking of him before today OC, I would venture that you had only just recently met however, the manner in which you both parted would indicate that you are - close. Forgive me if I have misinterpreted something.'' Trust Prime to be both interrogative and apologetic at the same time.
I felt a blush rise in my cheeks, ''Well, you would be right on both counts Prime. We have just met, last night actually, at the gym while I was carrying out an extra workout, I had earned for being a little brat towards Lennox.'' I could ''feel'' Optimus raise an optic ridge at this which meant further questioning at some stage. ''He came over to me and struck up a conversation, said he was looking for an excuse to meet me,'' I blushed anew with the thought. ''We got to talking and, well we kissed, and we are going on a date tonight. So yeah, I guess you could say we are close.'' Before I could even register the words and why I would say them they tumbled out of my mouth, ''You aren't mad are you?''
There was a measured silence before Prime spoke, ''Why would I be mad at you OC? You have indicated and insinuated on a few occasions since I met you that you are lonely, so it is only natural that you should seek and desire company. He is, I would imagine, a man worthy of your affection as I doubt you would give your heart to just anyone and - he is a man,'' the last comment threw me, ''it would be a far more profitable use of your time spending it with someone of your own kind than in the company of those who are not even the same species as you,'' at this last comment Prime fell silent.
Perhaps because he had said all he had to say on the matter or perhaps because we had just, thankfully, arrived outside the training hanger. However, I couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of pain at his last comment which was almost spoken with – resentment? /Nah! You are reading into things big time OC. He has basically just given you his blessing, you should be thankful/.
Prime opened his cabin door without a word, a gesture for me to exit. I climbed down in silence and, once he had transformed, we both walked into the hanger towards the rest of the awaiting group. Clearly there would be no more discussion on this topic today. A fact I was both grateful for and yet, somewhat perturbed by.
Optimus strode to the middle of the room to address his troops and commence training for the day. He had now transitioned from my concerned friend to my leader. I cleared my mind of any remaining doubts regarding our conversation moments ago and focused on the task at hand. I would not become distracted by my own thoughts again and cause an issue. From the outset I said I would make Optimus proud of me and I intended to make good on that promise. I stood next to Jazz and listened to Prime as he explained what we were going to do.
''Autobots, and OC, today our task is to practice training together and observe how OC can best employ her powers to enhance and supplement our own abilities to significantly reduce casualties and collateral damage.'' Prime cast a glance in my direction, ''OC we know you have been working hard on your hand to hand combat without using your powers and Lennox informs me you have been doing well on this given the short time frame in which you have had to train,'' I nodded thanks to Prime. ''However, today you will be using your powers in both a defensive and offensive capacity to determine and assess where you are at and what you are able to do. This will then provide an avenue whereby we can help you develop and hone your powers to a greater extent or flag any concerns we, or you, have.''
Prime paused and took in the crew before him. ''Rachet your main capacity at this point is to observe OC during training and monitor her vitals and health, her safety and well-being is always of utmost importance, is that understood?''
Rachet nodded his understanding, ''Of course Prime, without question.'' I felt relieved.
Prime continued, ''The first drill we will run today will involve OC intervening in a defensive capacity. Arcee and Jazz you will play the role of Decepticons attacking Ironhide and Sideswipe, OC,'' Prime turned to face me, ''You will use your powers to hinder or prevent the ''Decepticons from injuring or gaining the upper hand in combat. Just so we are clear, we are using NON-LETHAL force during this exercise, select the lowest setting on your weapons when they are in use, other weapons, swords, blades etc may be used at any time. Questions?'' Prime surveyed the room. No one spoke. ''Alright, let's begin.'' Prime stood back to watch his team at work.
At that command the tone in the room changed, the energy level spiked as we all proceeded to get into battle ready stance. Arcee paired off with Sideswipe and Jazz with Ironhide. I stood off to the side of the training area, watching and reading the stance and moves of the ''Autobots as they engaged their ''enemies''.
At first, I did nothing when they all engaged their respective target as I wanted to see what scenarios would arise and in what manner I could intervene. As Arcee landed a series of blows on Sideswipe and then proceeded to take aim, I stepped into action and promptly disarmed her by ''mentally'' wrenching her laser out of her hands and off to the side and pulling her legs out from under her at the same time so she collapsed on the ground allowing Sideswipe to move in and pin her to the floor with a ''kill shot''.
I then turned my focus to Jazz and Ironhide who had been duelling each other with increasing tenacity. Jazz had selected a large lethal looking sword that he was using to slash at Ironhide in between a barrage of kicks and punches. Jazz was fast, ninja fast but 'Hide was a seasoned soldier, and he was holding his own. I waited.
''Arcee, Sideswipe. Attack Ironhide!'' Prime bellowed from the sidelines.
/WHAT? Three on one! Not fair Prime. Then again I doubt the Decepticons would be fair/.
Arcee and Sideswipe both split off and approached Ironhide from either side, like two stealthy lions preparing to take down larger prey. Jazz was working towards backing Ironhide up against the wall and seal off any escape as they all worked as one.
''Anytime you want to step in OC, you feel free,'' Ironhide bellowed.
Taking the hint, I sized my opportunity. ''Ironhide duck!'' Hide did so immediately just as Sideswipe had lunged at him and I sent him flying into Arcee on the opposite side. They landed heavily on the opposite side of the room, but Arcee was rolling to her feet almost immediately and producing her laser. She let off several volleys at Ironhide's chest, kill shots, I immediately ''blocked'' them as I ran to be closer, circling behind Ironhide.
Sideswipe had also gotten to his feet and was now rolling over at a fast pace to attack Ironhide from the left as Jazz had continued his assault cutting and slashing at Ironhide from the front in a series of quick lunges before he ran and leapt high into the air. This was becoming intense, holding off laser volleys to protect 'Hide at the same time I shifted my focus to Jazz and sent an almighty shove in his direction, similar to the one I sent Megatron that day.
Jazz went sailing through the air and landed into Arcee taking her out of commission. Ironhide punched at 'Sides who deftly dodged his blow and spun around on his wheels to try and land a sneaky stab to Ironhide's back with the swords that protracted from his wrists.
But the blow never landed.
I had held his arms at bay long enough for Ironhide to send a reverse kick that sent him flying to land near Prime's feet. Ironhide and I stood on the training mat surveying the damage and maintaining readiness in case our enemies continued the attack. I was breathing heavily and held my arms raised in front of me, in an intuitive defensive position and standing on the balls of my feet ready to move in any direction. Ironhide was ex-eventing heavily from his exertions though he remained alert as well.
''Enough!'' Prime's baritone voice rang out around the hanger. Without another word. Prime advanced from the sidelines and unsheathed his two deadly swords from his hands, his battle mask sliding into place. /Holy shit!/ I momentarily began to tremble from the sheer awesome sight and the blind terror that began to take hold. /Focus! Or you are both dead!/.
''OC, Imagine I am Megatron. I will give no quarter as would he. Now – DEFEND yourselves!'' With that Prime ran at Ironhide and brang his left sword down with a mighty blow sending Ironhide, who had instinctively put both arms up to block it, to his knees with the strength and ferocity behind it. Optimus then kicked at him and sent him flying against the back wall, though I used my powers to stop him connecting with the wall.
Prime then advanced on me. Stalking, swords by his sides, mask obscuring his face to hide his emotions. His eyes, once gentle and wise were now fierce and focused. I swallowed my terror. /Time to see what I am made of/. I could hear Ironhide getting to his feet and preparing to attack again but I had to hold Prime off.
Prime had started to pick up his pace, jogging at me, his sword arm raised. He was not going for Ironhide he was levelling this blow at me! Instead of running for cover or planting my feet firmly in the ground to brace me as I sent a huge ''shove'', I did something I didn't think I was capable of.
I charged at Optimus.
I ran towards him. Determination etched into my features. Neither of us was giving quarter to the other. As we were about to reach each other, I used my power to knock Prime off balance and pull him towards the ground. He fell and automatically went into a roll, easily preparing to spring back up. At the same time, I had rolled and shot back up to be facing the opposite direction.
By this stage Ironhide had reached Prime and had levelled a shot in his back, not enough to hurt but enough to jolt Prime into sheathing his swords again and reverting to the use of his fists. He turned on Ironhide as he prepared to fire his cannons and blocked the shot with his left arm. At the same time, he brought his right arm around in an almighty hook that rattled Ironhide's faceplates, drawing energon from his dermas and sent him sprawling to the side of the mat.
In the same motion Prime had turned on the spot to face me once more and produced his laser rifle aiming it at me – he fired two shots in rapid succession. I instinctively put my hands up to deflect the first shot and sent the other shot back at him which, only glanced his side doing little to slow his progress towards me. His sword arm was drawn again, and he kept his blaster in the other. He was running at me. Baring down on me like a lion moving in for the kill.
Seeing 'Hide injured on the ground and Prime's own words of /''Use non-lethal force''/ echoing in my head, I was filled with rage at him. Prime let a volley of shots off and prepared to swing his sword at me. Something snapped inside me, and I yelled out loud at him. I felt my power surge within me as never before. I sent his shots hurtling back towards him like so many cannons, finding their mark at various points on his chassis. I then raised my arms and planted my feet firmly and yelled in a guttural, primal voice, ''NO!'' I sent a wave of anger, defiance and fear in his direction and it connected with him as a tidal wave, sending him soaring through the air to land roughly on the other side of the hanger, a large dent in the wall from the impact.
As I stood there, my body heaving with emotion, exertion and shock I was vaguely aware of Rachet's voice as he knelt beside me, ''OC? Are you ok? That was extraordinary. How did you do that?''
I could also hear the other Autobot's cries of amazement and surprise at what I had just done to Prime. In the distance I saw Prime get to his feet, somewhat shakily but clearly no real damage done. His sword retracted behind his servo and his weapon was placed into subspace again. His battle mask withdrawn as he began to walk towards me.
His optics.
They were no longer ferocious and filled with danger. They were back to being azure pools of kindness and calm. As he came to stand before me and the others who had gathered around, his optics shone down at me with – pride. He knelt before me, ''Well done OC. I knew you had it in you.''
I felt tears sting my eyes as I looked at him. I was angry with him. He had no right to force me that far that fast. What if I had failed to block those shots? What if I had not had the strength to do what I had done? Would he have swung that sword on me?
When I just stood there shaking, my eyes misting up. Prime, tilted his helm and spoke softly, ''OC? Are you ok?''
Rachet spoke up then, ''Her heart rate is erratic, her breathing shallow and laboured, her blood pressure is rising, and her body is flooded with adrenaline. Rough guess I'd say she is not ok Prime.''
Prime looked from Rachet to me with concern. ''OC? What's wrong?''
I closed my eyes and let some tears roll down my face as I whispered, 'What was that about?''
Prime tilted his helm in the opposite direction. ''I thought I made it clear at the beginning of our training session OC. Our objective today was to see how you performed under both offensive and defensive situations.''
''No'', it was a softer whisper. ''Why did YOU do that? Why Did YOU attack me?'' I levelled him with an accusatory stare.
Prime blinked once and then straightened his helm to stare straight at me. ''I attacked you because I believe you needed an extra push to move you out of your comfort zone and challenge your abilities. I attacked you because I needed to see how you would react to an enhanced level of danger in a controlled situation. I attacked you because,'' he paused, somewhat flustered, ''I want you to be safe. I need to know that you can and will defend yourself at all costs inany situation.'' Prime's optics pleaded with me to understand.
I looked away from him. ''You scared me. Your face. Your optics. You were going to hurt me.'' The last was said as barely a whisper and I wrapped my arms about me seeking to comfort myself.
Prime went to reach out to me but stopped himself. ''OC. Like it or not, you are a soldier now, training for a war that may come at any day. And when it comes, I am afraid that many people will get hurt. What we do in here is a means to prevent and curb that pain and hurt. You have a rare gift to be able to save so many people. You proved that today. You have to learn to trust yourself, your instincts. Do you honestly think I would have allowed hurt to befall you? Do you honestly think I would for one moment have truly hurt you?'' His optics flickered briefly with pain.
I shook my head slowly. ''No. I guess not.'' I forced myself to look at him again.
Prime's optics dimmed for a moment, ''I had hoped you would be more earnest in your belief of that. In your belief in me.'' With that Prime ex-evented loudly. A human trait of frustration he had picked up over the years. ''Perhaps I did push you too far today. My apologies.'' With that he rose to his full height again and turned to face his medic. ''Rachet please take OC to the Med Bay and ensure her vitals are once again stabilised and she is feeling better.'' He glanced back at me quickly. ''OC, that is all for now. I shall not be requiring your presence any further today. I suggest you go and rest and - enjoy your evening.''
I went to say something but Prime held his servo up to silence me and stalked off towards the other end of the mat. As I was escorted out of the hanger by Rachet I heard Prime's voice in a rough growl, ''Autobots, new task. Hand to hand melee fighting. All of you - against me.'' My heart beat faster of its own volition and I cringed as I heard his battle mask clamp shut over his face – and his emotions.